Atlantic Islands: Canary Islands & Madeira 8 Day Expedition Cruise

Discover the island that beguiled Agatha Christie when she arrived in 1927 and wander the old town of Santa Cruz, Tenerife’s capital. Head inland and visit the world’s third largest volcano, the other-worldly 3,700 m Mount Teide, surrounded by desert with a wild beauty. The volcanic slopes make excellent terroir for quality wines. Visit the spot where Nelson lost his arm in 1797 in the world’s first city laid out in a grid, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, with charming 16th-century pastel mansions and wooden balconies.

Fuerteventura, the oldest Canary Island, has reputedly some of the best beaches in the Canaries with ideal conditions for watersports. The miles of white and golden sand beaches that envelope the coast are interrupted only by cliffs and sheltered coves. Year-round sunshine and cooling breezes make it ideal for beach lovers while the winds and waves attract surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers. Take in the Martian-like environment by climbing up to the Mirador Astronómico de Sicasumbre viewpoint.

Arrecife, Lanzarote’s capital, is a bustling city. Walk to Charco San Gines, a natural seawater lagoon in an area chock full of old houses and charming fishing boats or to the 16th-century stone fortress, Castillo de San Gabriel, now a museum. Beach days are always welcome so take a dip in the sea at Puerto del Carmen, and enjoy tapas at a local beach bar - or chiringuito. For a glimpse of Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape, head to Timanfaya National Park to see the Fire Mountains and ride to the crater on the back of a camel.

Known as the 'Galapagos of Europe', Madeira's Desertas Islands are a haven for rare and endangered wildlife. The seas here are home to many unusual species, including the barred hogfish, Mediterranean slipper lobster and several turtle species. However, the most famous residents are the Mediterranean monk seals, which can grow up to three metres in length and 300kg in weight. There are only a few hundred of these seals left in the world, and the Desertas Islands provide sanctuary for the colony of 25 that live here.

The capital of Madeira, Funchal is renowned the world over for its abundant gardens with subtropical plants, but there’s more to discover on the ‘Garden Island,’ including the famous Madeira wine cellars and the colourful Old Town street of Rua de Santa Maria with 200 brightly painted doors. Thrillseekers should take the cable car up to Monte, then ride down the steep streets steered by a pair of straw-boatered drivers. Or explore out of town, through villages and past levades, centuries-old water channels used to irrigate this fertile island.

Porto Santo has been dubbed ‘the golden island’ for its 9 km stretch of silky sands. Visit the 15th-century house of Christopher Columbus where he stayed en route to ‘discovering’ America. Ideal for pleasant strolls, the palm tree- and bougainvillea-lined streets of the island’s capital, Vila Baleira, are where many of the island’s great restaurants make the famous local dish of bolo do caco (bread baked on a piece of tile), bread made with yam served with garlic butter.

You can spend your day at sea enjoying the many facilities available. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the jacuzzi whilst taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of our knowledgeable on-board experts.

One of the oldest cities in the world, Lisbon’s technicoloured past is evident just about everywhere. The medina-like streets of Alfama still bear Moorish influences. Baroque architecture surrounds you in Baixa and scars of the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755 can still be found throughout the city. It’s estimated that over 100,000 people died in what became one of history’s deadliest earthquakes. Today Lisbon is a delightful mix of colourful neighbourhoods, all brimming with history, culture and tradition. Baixa is where you’ll find the hustle and bustle, set below São Jorge Castle. Nearby Chiado is one of Lisbon’s trendiest neighbourhoods with its historic cafes and designer shops.